Raleigh Arrest Records

G.S. 15A-401 delineates the circumstances under which arrests occur in Raleigh, detailing the conditions for making an arrest (with or without a warrant), the methods employed, and the use of force if necessary. Essentially, arrests are grounded in probable cause of a suspected offense.

The Raleigh Police Department is responsible for conducting arrests. Generally, private citizens are not authorized to arrest or detain others unless they witness a crime involving physical harm to another person, vandalism, a felony, or a breach of peace, as stated in G.S. § 15A-404.

Raleigh arrest records are generated from data collected during the Police Department's booking process and are housed in a dedicated database. These records can be accessed through jail rosters, contribute to Wake County arrest records, and may serve as evidence in court proceedings.

Are Raleigh Arrests Public Record?

Yes, the North Carolina Public Records Law ensures the right to access public records, including Raleigh arrest records. This legislation applies to various formats, whether digital or physical, related to arrests.

However, there are typically restrictions on access. Certain details within an arrest record may not be available to the general public, only to those with a direct interest or authorized by court orders. Restricted information may include fingerprints, confidential personal data, health reports, and sensitive information about ongoing investigations.

Raleigh Crime Rate

According to the NCSBI - Summary Statistics Report, the crime index rate per 100,000 individuals exhibited a consistent upward trend from 2020 to 2023. Notably, there was a 10.56% increase from 2022 to 2023, following a 7.06% rise from 2021 to 2022, and a 4.20% growth from 2020 to 2021. This pattern indicates a gradual escalation in crime over the past four years, culminating in a peak in 2023, even considering years prior to 2020.

The rate of violent crimes showed a steady increase throughout these years. The highest rate occurred in 2023, recording 549.1 per 100,000 people, while 2018 marked the lowest point at 421.5. Representing a total increase of approximately 30.27% from 2018 to 2024.

In parallel, the larceny rate similarly rose, peaking in 2023 as against its lowest in 2020, reflecting a percentage increase of 22.83%. The trend in aggravated assaults mirrors this pattern, with both 2023 having the highest rates and 2018 its lowest.

Despite these similarities among the three most frequently committed crimes, the murder rate presents a slightly different narrative. It showed a modest rise from 2020 to 2021 but ultimately peaked in 2022 at a rate of 9.8. However, it experienced a significant decline to 6.0 in 2023.

Overall, while most crime categories exhibit a clear trend of increasing rates, the murder rate's fluctuation suggests a divergence from this general pattern, warranting closer examination of the underlying factors influencing these changes over time.

Find Raleigh Arrest Records

Individuals seeking arrest records can explore government options provided by law enforcement or the judiciary. These records may exist as separate reports, particularly if the individual was not convicted, or as components of criminal or court documentation.

To obtain an arrest record in Raleigh, the simplest method is to visit the local Police Department, as there is no online database available for public access. To expedite the process, the requester would need to provide the arrestee's name and the arrest date. Alternatively, inquiries can be sent via mail to the department.

Furthermore, the Wake County Bureau of Forensic Services provides a database of arrestees online that interested persons can search. The inquirer would need to supply the arrestee's full name, arrest date, and specify that the arresting agency is the Raleigh PD. This search is relatively straightforward. Also, one can procure a certified copy of the arrest record for a fee of $15 per name search. To proceed, one must complete the Arrest record request form and mail it along with a money order or check made out to Wake County to the following address:

Wake County Bureau of Forensic Services
Attn: Arrest Records
3301 Hammond Road
Raleigh, NC 27603

Additional methods for accessing arrest documents are detailed in the table below.

Free Arrest Record Search in Raleigh

Raleigh arrest records can be obtained free of charge at the Raleigh Police Department. While in-person searches are usually complimentary, fees may apply for copies. Additionally, the Wake County Bureau of Forensic Services offers online access to arrest information in Wake County at no cost.

In addition, certain third-party websites also provide arrest records through their online platforms for free. The extent of this complimentary service may vary by site. Typically, entering a name or case number allows one to access an arrest record.

Criminal Background Check in Raleigh

The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation functions as the primary repository for criminal records in the state, providing services to both individuals and organizations. Different procedures are in place for various entities seeking access.

Access to criminal records for organizations, employers, or licensing bodies is restricted to those that possess statutory authority or have a formal access agreement with the bureau.

Inquiries can be made through multiple channels: by phone at (919) 582-8639, via email at AIUhelp@ncsbi.gov (with the subject line "Criminal History Record Information Access Inquiry"), or by mailing the Access Integrity Unit - CIIS, North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, 3320 Garner Road, Raleigh, NC 27626-0500.

For those lacking statutory authority, including individuals wishing to check another person's criminal history, records can be accessed through the state's judicial system. Criminal information is available from the clerk of the court in Raleigh for a fee of $25.

Details about public offenders currently serving time or who have previously served can be obtained from the online database provided by the North Carolina Department of Public Safety.

Individuals may also request their criminal records through a fingerprint search, known as a "right to review". For a fee of $14, the public can access their records by completing and submitting the Right to Review form.

Raleigh Inmate Search

Details regarding inmates held in state prisons in Raleigh can be accessed online through the North Carolina Department of Public Safety's database. This resource enables users to search for information on current public offenders, those who have completed their sentences, or individuals on parole.

To search, users must input certain details, including:

• Offender's name
• Offender's number
• Gender
• Race or ethnic background
• Birth date and age range

However, it is possible to perform a search by simply providing the full name and the offender's number.

Raleigh Police Record Lookup

The Raleigh Police Department maintains several reports, including incident reports, criminal history records, and crash reports.

The Raleigh Police Department maintains various reports, such as incident reports, criminal histories, and crash documents.

To obtain an incident report, individuals can call (919) 996-3325 or email police.records@raleighnc.gov. When making a request, it is essential to include the report number and a contact number for follow-up purposes.

For criminal records, requests can be made through the CCBI. However, crash reports are strictly accessible to attorneys, involved individuals, and insurance companies. Requesters must supply the report number along with either the driver's license number or the VIN of a vehicle involved in the incident.

Inquiries can be made via mail or in person at the Police Department, which allows the public to request various reports, including public arrest affidavits. To access any publicly available records, individuals must provide the required identifying information for proper retrieval.

While many reports are classified as public, records related to ongoing investigations and information about witnesses, victims, and other sensitive details are typically withheld from public access. Such information may only be accessible to the report's subject, law enforcement, or the judiciary.

How Long Do Arrests Stay on Your Record in Raleigh?

In Raleigh, an arrest record remains on an individual's record, regardless of the case's outcome, whether dismissed, acquitted, or guilty, unless it is expunged through a petition. Only after expungement will the record not appear in background checks. However, even after expungement, details about the arrest may still be accessible online, as some third-party websites may retain this information in their databases. In these cases, the individual can send the expungement notice to the site and request the removal of their record.

How Can I Get My Record Expunged for Free in Raleigh?

N.C. Gen. Stat. §15A-146(a4) outlines the circumstances under which expungement can be granted. In Raleigh, a fee of $175, covering court costs, is typically required for expunction. However, this fee does not apply in cases where the arrestee was found not guilty or in cases dismissed, except when the dismissal results from completing a deferred prosecution agreement or diversion program.

Those unable to pay this fee may file a Petition to Proceed as Indigent. Additionally, certain agencies in Wake offer free legal assistance to help cover expenses related to the expungement process.

One should bear in mind that expungement can only be granted following the scheduled court hearing, and the court has exclusive authority to approve or deny the expungement request.

Raleigh Warrant Search

Failure to respond to a court summons or appearance results in the issuance of a bench warrant. Conversely, if there is probable cause to suspect that an individual has committed, is about to commit, or is engaged in criminal activity, an arrest warrant will be issued.

To conduct a warrant search, individuals can contact the court, the Sheriff's office, or the Raleigh Police Department, either in person or by mail. Additionally, the North Carolina Judicial Branch offers a statewide warrant search that the public can access online to identify unexecuted warrants. Searches can be performed using various identifiers such as name, Social Security number, address, file number, or county.

In-person inquiries carry the risk of apprehension if a warrant exists in the individual's name; therefore, it is advisable to seek assistance from a legal professional.

Do Raleigh Warrants Expire?

Yes and no, depending on the warrant type. Bench warrants have a specified validity period, often stated on the warrant, and can expire before execution. In contrast, arrest warrants remain valid until executed but can be recalled by the court, rendering them invalid and unenforceable. Furthermore, if the individual named in the warrant passes away, the warrant ceases to be effective.